Land vs. Sea? A Cruise May Be More Affordable Than You Think

To avoid air travel. If you’ve ever flown with your family, you know just how expensive air travel can be. Fortunately, cruise embarkation ports have been strategically placed within driving distance for 75 percent of North American vacationers, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association reports. The prospect of getting overseas without paying for airfare is very appealing for cost-conscious travelers.

To save money. Price-shopping for a cruise can be an eye-opening experience, simply because it is far less expensive than many people think. Take a four-day Western Caribbean cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, where prices run as low as $124 per person for a family of four, plus taxes and port fees. Likewise, a seven-day Carnival Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean runs as low as $204 per person for a family of four, plus taxes and port fees. And remember, your cruise price is inclusive of many typical vacation expenses such as your meals and entertainment.

For convenience. All cruises and cruise lines are different, but they all offer a convenience that is unmatched by any other type of vacation. Once you pick a cruise that offers the destinations you desire, you literally just have to pack and show up. The rest of the details are taken care of for you.

Where to Set Sail

The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, with as many as 37 percent of all cruises visiting a destination in that region in 2013. But cruises aren’t just for sun worshippers and beach lovers.

Several cruise lines offer itineraries that stray from the traditional idea of a cruise, with destinations that span the globe. That’s right. You can cruise almost anywhere — from Alaska to Australia to Europe and everywhere in between.

Because cruises offer families an opportunity to sample several destinations, often without the high cost of airfare, they are fast becoming one of the most popular vacation options out there. And, with meals and entertainment included and one low fare, what’s not to like?

So break out a map and figure out exactly what in the world you want to see and experience firsthand. Then compare cruise lines to look for the best value, while also making sure you know what is and isn’t included in your fare. Chances are, you’ll find an excellent vacation opportunity that will provide hundreds of family memories for years to come — and at a price you can afford.

Celebrity Reflection: the most affordable cruise ship (Photo: Celebrity)

Top 10 Most Affordable Cruises

U.S. News ranks the 130 Best Affordable Cruises based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. Celebrity Reflection is the top-ranked ship overall. Here’s the top 10:

1. Celebrity Reflection (Celebrity)

2. Disney Dream (Disney)

3. (tie) Disney Fantasy (Disney)

3. (tie) Royal Princess (Princess)

5. (tie) Queen Elizabeth (Cunard)

5. (tie) Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

7. (tie) Celebrity Silhouette (Celebrity)

7. (tie) Disney Magic (Disney)

7. (tie) Liberty of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

7. (tie) Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

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